Thursday, 24 August 2017

Best of the Edinburgh Fringe 2017

If you are a follower of our Instagram page you might have noticed that we have all truly embraced and enjoyed the Edinburgh Fringe this year. As a native of the city at times, I fail to fully appreciate the joys of the city in August - especially in years when I have been working in the city centre. The traffic, waves of tourists on every street and general insane business can be a little stressful, but this year I have played a tourist in my own city and had a complete ball.

I am no stranger to the Edinburgh Fringe, I studied acting straight from school and was immersed in the fireworks, street performers and free shows from an early age. I even did a few flyering shifts while I was at school. In the past few years, I have taken full advantage of the many beer gardens, street food and have been known to treat myself to a stand-up ticket here and there. This year though I did it all and I want to talk you through my top picks for anyone venturing out in the final weekend of the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Acts

Comedy

Sophie Willan - Pleasance Courtyard 20:00 - A brilliant and almost theatrical show with a hilarious insight into Sophie's dysfunctional family life. It is no surprise to me that she has found herself nominated for so many awards this Fringe!

Gary Lamont - Gilded Balloon at the Rose Theatre 20:45 - The River City alum hit my funny bone from the minute he stepped on stage. With special celeb guests appearing throughout the show, it's a laugh a minute.

Music & Theatre

Showstoppers - Pleasance Courtyard 18:00 - A must-see for me every single year. The amazing cast pulls together a fabulous and totally improved musical with a helping hand from the audience. Stunning vocals and a fun show for the whole family.

The Carole King Story - theSpace @ Symposium Hall 15:00 - Phoebe Katis mesmerised performing King's beautiful hits. The talented singer/songwriter perfectly captured Carole King and had the audience captivated in her story.

Meow Meow's Little Mermaid - The Hub 22:30 - The Queen of cabaret, Meow Meow combines original songs with a glittering, theatrical performance. A fantastic and captivating evening show to enjoy with a cocktail.

Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis - Assembly George Square Theatre 22:30 - An amazing and unique show that takes audience participation to the next level. I was previously a massive hypnosis sceptic but I am now completely convinced. A must-see!

Trainspotting Live - Venue150 at EICC times vary - This show is consistently sold out but I had to include it as it is absolutely spectacular. Full of Scotland's best and brightest recreating the cult classic film, equal parts funny and thrilling.

Free Fringe

Two Plus Ones: Huge Night In - Just the Tonic at the Caves 21:15 -This is a mix between The Inbetweeners and Russel Howard. It's funny, sharp and a total cry-laughing situation. These three guys are so witty and very relatable when it comes to friendship, relationships and being a young person in the UK. There are a couple of songs chucked in but not in a musical way- in more of an improvised made up in the moment way.

Janey Godley - Free Sisters 20:15 - A riotous and honest show that covers everything from Trump to family life. Janey is one of the funniest women in Scotland and has one of the best free comedies on the entire circuit!

Northern Power Blouse - Opium 15:45 - Three northern girls putting together a witty and effortlessly funny sketch show. Their scenes about Wowcher and Groupon had me in stitches. The perfect middle of the day show when wandering around the Cowgate.

Food, Drink & Atmosphere

Brewhemia - The breathtaking new venue at Market Street offering stunning and amazingly unique entertainment. A huge space with a room to cater for every drink preference and each customers mood, rowdy or quiet.

Assembly at George Square -

Alanda's Gelato- Literally cannot rave about this enough. I had the peanut butter and salted caramel scoops and didn't think you could get so much flavour into ice-cream. You can get any toppings you wish and it's available just about 24hrs a day and who doesn't want ice-cream at 2 am?!

Umani Spice Boy - Run by the loveliest of people, I've been going to this van for as long as I can remember. The flavour they pack into their food is so delicious. They do everything you could ever want with their special spice. It's worth the long queues and every single rave review is pure truth for this taste sensation.

Prosecco Bar - You can enjoy yourself a pink Prosecco or you good old original. It's chilled with friendly service and always open. Enough said really.

Pimms Tent - WHO DOESN'T WANT TO DRINK PIMMS IN SUMMER?! You get a pitcher for a bargain and it tastes like summer. Fresh, cold and on tap (literally).

Dram & Smoke - Tickets might almost be sold out for this incredible event hosted at The Biscuit Factory. Dinner theatre at its best with delicious food, amazing atmosphere and stunning setup. If you can squeeze it in this weekend you won't regret it!

This is just a fraction of everything we got up to this year at the 70th anniversary of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Please share with us your picks from this year so we can make the most of the last weekend too!